Steve Alexander – Chicago Hospitality Professional of the Month (March 2016)

March 20th, 2016 | hereschicago

Here’s our interview with Steve Alexander, Regional Director of Sales, ACCESS SPORTS, this month’s Chicago Hospitality Professional of the Month (March 2016).

Can you tell us your current position, company and describe what you do?

Regional Director of Sales for Access Sports. Corporate event planning with a personal touch. We customize events to fit our clients needs and make sure there are plenty of opportunities for a return on their investment.

What do you recommend for others who want to get into the hospitality profession?

Don’t do it for the money you need to really want to do it. Like anything in life you’ll only be good at it if you care and love what you do.

What aspects of hospitality do you incorporate in your business today?

Need to have tremendous people skills and care. Need to be professional, punctual, proud of what you’re representing.

Where did your hospitality career begin and when was that “aha” moment when you knew you were supposed to be in hospitality as a career?

Started working in the restaurant business as a teenager and just love people.

How many years have you been in the hospitality business?

37

Why do you feel you were selected as Chicago hospitality professional of the month?

What would your friends say about you if they were nominating you? I’m very loyal, caring and passionate. Friends that I’ve had all my life would say I’ve never changed we can pick up a conversation like we talk every day and with life being so hectic don’t have to tell you that’s not the case.

What qualities do you feel a person needs to excel in as hospitality professional?

Care for the people he/she is serving/representing and wanting perfection, although we realize some circumstances are out of our hands

How did you get into hospitality field?

Parents opened a fast food restaurant when I was 17.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

Family members are your first mentors.

What kinds of things really make you laugh?

I really enjoy making others laugh and when I see them enjoying themselves that in turn will make me laugh.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world?

Was born in Greece can never spend enough time back home. Islands are beautiful, but going back to village where life is simple and I remember my early years is a very special feeling.

Who is your best friend? What do you like about him/her?

Have a handful of very good friends and each one is special in their own way and the chemistry they provide to an ongoing and lasting friendship

What is your favorite movie of all time? Why so?

Original Hangover Movie. Silly, funny, and the way it was presented. Hugh fan of Zach Galifianakis he comes on the screen I just start laughing.

What’s your biggest goal in life right now?

Balance between work and down time. Stay healthy and find quality time to spend with special friends/people in my life

What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?

I love sports, perhaps being at a live sporting event, at the end of the day your company will make it a favorite Saturday not necessarily the environment.

Do you have any pet peeves?

What was your family like growing up? Very hard working both mom and dad always remember them working hard to provide their 2 boys a better opportunity

What were you like as a kid?

Pretty quiet kid I had to learn English moved to Chicago at age 6. Loved sports as far back as I can remember.

What type of events you plan?

Plan all types of events throughout the year. Fall do a VIP Bears Tailgate at the Adler Lot with Bears tickets, clients have open bar for 3 hours and upscale food. Now it’s working
with Wrigley Rooftops and Cubs Tickets, White Sox Suites, United Center Concerts, Blackhawks Tickets locally & throughout the US. Lake cruises for America’s Cup, Second City, Golf Outings, Beer, wine & whiskey tours. Dinners as well as appetizers & drinks at rooftop bars. Customize events to fit clients needs.

What type of music do you love?

I enjoy all kinds of music, like most of us 80’s or something we can sing or dance along to.

What don’t people know about you?

Not much not to know about me, I’m pretty open when discussing my thoughts and ideas.

What do you love about planning events in Chicago?

So many amazing options. Nice to be able to mention so many options when discussing locations with a new or existing client.

When not working, what do you love to do?

Love to travel.

Have you ever sung karaoke? If so, what song?

I know my limitations and singing is not a strong suit of mine.

What do you think it take to be a successful event planner?

You need to put yourself in your clients shoes and as they would like a perfect event, you need to have same passion, dedication and desire.

What is your favorite color?

Red

What are you passionate about?

I’m a Scorpio passionate about everything

Are you a Cubs or Sox fan?

Love my White Sox

What’s your go-to meal when you’re home alone?

Pasta

What’s your favorite thing about your hometown?

Love the spirit of Chicago!! Huge city, but very Midwest and people very friendly and outgoing.

What’s on your bucket list?

Have about 7 more MLB baseball stadiums to attend. No hurry whenever that happens.

What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve had?

First restaurant we had was a fast food restaurant. I’m sure had mixed up the orders at times.

What was your First concert?

Madonna

If you had to go back to school or learn a new skill, what would you want to learn?

Have better computer skills

What are your thoughts about Hereschicago.com?

I’ve known Jim Grillo for some time and honored to call him my friend. He’s so professional at all he does, because he truly cares and customer service is at the top of his list. I’ve been introduced to so many good people by Jim and everyone raves about the difference Heres Chicago has made to their business and bottom line. One of my favorite people in the world.